I figured I’d better do a trip report before I forgot everything that happened, especially since I didn’t do one for my xmas trip. A little about me for the NOOBS. I’m a born and raised Jersey Girl, but my parents are born and raised St. Martiners, going back generations with 2 of my grandparents, the other 2 going back generations on Anguilla. With that out of the way here’s a quick little report.

Monday. Flight down. I arrived on United flying direct out of Newark. Even tho I live in DC, I chose to drive up to Jersey, spend the night at my brother’s and take a car to Newark for the convenience of a direct, CHEAPER flight. Despite the zoo that Newark Airport always is, it’s worth it. Flight was on time and uneventful. Sat next to a nice couple who were going to SXM for their first time. Judging from what we discussed on the return flight, they’ll be back.

My sis and pops picked me up from the airport. I was traveling alone this time, and sis was there for a week already. As usual, we rented from Michael at Unity. And as usual, there were no issues. Instead of the usual Corolla, because it was just the two of us, we got a Hyundai i20. Aside from the lack of pick up on hills, I love driving a smaller car. Makes parking that much easier.

After stopping at Grand Marche (I stayed by the car), picking up pastries at Sarafinas in Marigot and dropping my stuff off at the parentals in Colombier, my sister and I decided to get me my first drink on the island. Since she had already been to Calmos twice, we decided to try something different. We went to Le Shore, only to discover that they weren’t open in the afternoon (we just missed lunch). So we walked next store to Le Sand were the bar was open. I can’t describe how beautiful the setting is out there. It’s really windy, which I appreciate, and the view…just wonderful. We had some great drinks and then headed home to be fed. No matter how old I get, it’s so nice to have my mom cook for me.

Tuesday. This was the day I was hoping to meet Barbara finally (shakes fist “someday!”) but instead, I ended up running errands with pops. No one wants to hear about this. Suffice to say, I really love the ACE store in Cole Bay.

Wednesday. OMG, get me to a beach!! After a quick breakfast, me, sis and pops head to le Galion, where the waters are calm, drinks amazing, chicken sandwich still awesome and beach boys adorable. We spent the better part of the afternoon there.

That night, I finally made it to Calmos, where it is mandated by law that the waiters be very attractive. My sis and I met up with my cousin and her friend and I continued to butcher the French language. Many people said my French was good, but they were also inline for tips, so I’m not sure I believe them. Calmos at night is really one of my favorite places on the island. I just love the vibe there.

Thursday. These next 2 days are all about Anguilla, so if you don’t care about AXA, skip ahead. I haven’t been in AXA for more than a day trip since high school, so I was pretty excited to spend 2 nights there. My sis, mom and dad all went over, but mom and pops went back in the afternoon. After running around a bit, we went to my favorite Straw Hat for lunch. Rosie makes the best, HANDS DOWN the best mango daiquiris anywhere. The food was pretty awesome too.

My sister and I were staying at Anacaona on Meads Bay. I have to say, the service at this hotel is top notch. The rooms are big, bathrooms could probably use a bit of an update, but the grounds were well kept and I love a nice strong wifi signal.

That evening, we decided to head to Viceroy for drinks before dinner. I wasn’t a fan of this place. Driving up to it I thought it looks very corporate. Once inside, I was pretty blown away. I still don’t think ANYTHING about this place says Anguilla or Caribbean, but good God, it was beautiful. The staff, amazingly nice. The drinks? $15 a pop, but delicious. The views? Wow. And even though it was low season, it was packed. After our drinks we drove 1 minute up the road to Picante. Yes, a Mexican restaurant on Anguilla. And outside of this place in Houston I went to in March, it was the BEST Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life! Again, it’s low season, and this place was packed with visitors and locals, always a good sign. I can’t recommend it enough.

Friday. Spent the morning lounging on Mead’s in front of the hotel (which is not directly on the beach, but they have an attendant who will get things for you). At lunch time, sis and I walked down to Blanchard’s Beach Shack to see what all the fuss was about. Yup, I get it. It’s charming as all heck. And the food is good too. I decided to have a non-alcoholic mango colada, and it was delicious! That plus the lobster roll (leave it to me to order the most expensive thing on the menu) made for a great lunch with toes in the sand.

For dinner, we were going to go to Straw Hat, but we were both full from lunch and bit by the Viceroy bug, so we went back for drinks and small plates, which was the perfect amount of food. By now, I felt like the bartenders were family, and I actually did meet a 2nd cousin who worked there whom we’d never met before. Sigh. I fear we’ll be back.

Saturday. Breakfast at the hotel, back to SXM. Before leaving Marigot, we picked up lunch at the lolo Sandy's (or is it Sannie?) Either way, it was delish.

We decided that we should treat my parents to dinner because, well, we’re good kids and that’s what kids should do! My dad remarked how he watched the progress of Le Shore but had never been in, so we went there for dinner. We got there too early so we had a drink at le sand first. Nighttime at Le Shore is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. The décor is amazing. The food was SO good. Service, amazing. The parentals were pleased. My dad chatted up the kitchen staff to voice his happiness. A great final dinner out.

Sunday. Up at the crack of dawn for church. Yes, church in Colombier is 7am. Sigh. The church’s roof is being repaired, so church was under a tent. I have to say, at that hour, being outside was actually very nice. Colombier is a beautiful village, but early in the morning it is spectacular.

After breakfast sis and I head to Karakter for a final day of swimming. OK, for the middle of July this place was PACKED. We arrived around 12, which I know is late, but still. We couldn’t even get a reclining chair. I love this place. But I love uncrowded beaches more. I wanted to go to Friar’s, but my sister had already been, so she won out. I still had a good time, and I love the food. But…yeah, it’s becoming too popular for me. LOL.

After dinner with the parentals, sis and I spent our final evening on the porch listening to the tree crickets.

Monday. VERY SAD. Time to go. Oddly enough, both sis and my flights were delayed. Thank goodness for modern technology as I didn’t have to rush to the airport anymore and could spend more time at the house. So I thought. My parents just dropped me at the curb so they could go back home to see my sister off (no traditional milk chocolate with dad, tears at the curb instead). I go up to the counter where there are a few people a head of me, but no customer at the actual counter. I asked what was going on and apparently the United counter closed. Uh, what? We were there 2 hours before our flight. Well, apparently, the counter folks said that we still had to be there at our NORMAL check out time. Hold up. What on earth is the point of getting emails telling you your flight is delayed and to show up 2 hours before the new flight time if you STILL have to be there at the original time? That makes no sense.

After 30 minutes, they finally reopened the counter. And when I went up there, the agent gave me attitude about being late. Oh, I’m not the one my friend. I politely said, “There’s a communications problem between United and you because that’s not what they said. Also, I can SEE that our plane left Newark 1.5 hours ago. Why would I get here so early, hmm?” Right, no answer to that. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

I am cursed. Almost every time I leave SXM, something ridiculous happens. I managed to upgrade to first class (yay!) but who do I sit next to? The guy who needs to get up every 45 minutes to use the bathroom and who is sick. LOL.

Got thru immigration and customs very quickly and was soon in the car on the way back to my brother’s house, another SXM trip over too soon. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Closing observations. The weather for the most part was fine. Anguilla was overcast and at times stormy, but it rained mostly at night or when I was in my room anyway. The ride over to Anguilla was one of the roughest I’d experienced in a while. Did not experience, not did I see any crime, tho someone who lives close to the parentals had his house broken into. I was aware of my surroundings at all times and really didn’t venture out at night much anyway. Island seemed pretty green and I was surprised by how busy things were for July. I’m always so amazed at how two islands so close together can be so different. Anguilla is so sleepy and the people so incredibly nice.

Well, that was much longer than expected! Hope I didn’t bore you.
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